How long should umbilical venous catheters remain in place in neonates who require long-term (≥5-7 days) central venous access?

Abstract

In this evidenced-based review, we examine the current available literature to help answer the question 'In neonates requiring long-term central access [patient], does removal of the umbilical venous catheter (UVC) on days 5-7 and replacement with a peripherally inserted central catheter line [intervention] compared with leaving the UVC in situ [comparison] reduce rates of central line-associated bloodstream infections [outcome]?'

Keywords: catheter-related infections/prevention and control; infant; newborn.